Word to the Wise
Sunday, April 24, 2016 - 5th Sunday of Easter - C
[Acts 14:21-27; Rev 21:1-5a; John 13:31-33a, 34-35]SUNDAY, APRIL 24, 2016 FIFTH SUNDAY OF EASTER [Acts 14:21-27; Revelation 21:1-5a; John 13:31-33a, 34-35] "I give you a new commandment: love one another. As I have loved you, so you also should love one another. This is how all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." [John] These words of Jesus follow closely on his washing of the feet of the disciples. Jesus had just given them an example of what love can mean. He will give a further example in his passion, death and resurrection. As experience has shown down through the ages, his commandment of love is a difficult one. We humans have a tendency to look for loopholes. "Do I have to love___________?" "What if__________?" "Isn't there some easier way to be a true Christian?" If we need specifics beyond what this gospel passage provides, we can go to the Sermon on the Mount in the Gospel of Matthew (Chs. 5-7) or in that same gospel to 25:31-45. We can read about Jesus' attitude toward those who approached him for help. The. Special Jubilee of Mercy is aimed at once more focusing our attention and conduct on the example of Jesus. His commandment to love one another as he has loved us remains in force. That love is the measure of our integrity as Christians. AMEN